Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned a career in professional basketball in her home country. However, this season she is living that dream, playing for the Portland Fire. Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her disbelief at the opportunity, emphasizing how inaccessible the WNBA seemed during her childhood in Canada.
The recent game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire in Vancouver drew an enthusiastic crowd of 12,414. The Tempo, who had been on a 12-game losing streak, managed to stage a remarkable comeback, defeating the Fire 82-79. Center Isabelle Harrison credited the energized crowd for the team’s performance, highlighting the support they received from Canadian fans.
Portland initially took the lead, with Carleton making significant contributions by scoring nine points in the first six minutes. However, Toronto fought back and tied the score at 44-44 by halftime. The game intensified in the third quarter, with Harrison’s impressive layup giving Toronto a 58-53 lead, much to the delight of the roaring fans inside Rogers Arena.
The overwhelming support from the spectators made communication challenging for Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, who marveled at the fans’ enthusiasm. The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, showcasing their matches in different cities across the country to promote the team and the WNBA.
Brondello, a seasoned figure in the WNBA, acknowledged the challenges of bringing an expansion team to Canada but praised the growth of women’s basketball. She emphasized the league’s increasing visibility and the positive impact of expanding to new cities, particularly in Canada.
The Tempo’s upcoming games and events in Vancouver illustrate the WNBA’s growth and expanding fan base, as noted by Toronto guard Brittney Sykes. Sykes highlighted the importance of providing a platform for young basketball players to aspire to and emphasized the significance of women’s professional sports in Canada.
Carleton, a two-time Olympian, emphasized the impact of having professional women’s sports accessible in Canada, inspiring future generations of athletes. She underscored the importance of representation and encouraged aspiring athletes to dream big, emphasizing the possibilities that come with witnessing professional women athletes in action.
The game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire not only showcased the competitive spirit of the teams but also highlighted the increasing popularity and significance of women’s basketball in Canada.
